Hi, I'm a 56 year old woman. After four months of bowel issues and tests, I've been told by the Dr that is more than likely ibs. I'm still a little unsure myself. What I wanted to know was is it normal to have quite alot of mucus on your stool everytime you open your bowels. Only everytime I go to the toilet no matter what I've eaten my stool is always the same colour and has a slime on it, plus for the past four months alot softer and have an oniony odour, even though I don't eat onion. My stomach also rumbles and churns alot through out the day and night. I am extremely anxious which I know won't help the situation. Sorry to be a bit graphic, but if anyone could help, I'd appreciate it.
What you are experiencing are common IBS symptoms. Accept your diagnosis and believe your doctor. Do not worry. Staying calm is key to managing your IBS. Ask for an antispasmodic like Buscopan and try a food diary or the Low Fodmap diet. I was diagnosed with IBS after three and a half months of symptoms.
Thankyou Pippa for your advice. It's just a bit scarey suddenly getting all these strange symptoms. Obviously going on the Internet and every symptom you have seems to point to colon cancer. Would there be a medication the Dr should have given me or do you see an ibs specialist.
Try not to google your symptoms because it will lead to more panic. The internet gives very general advice that does nor take account of the individual. I tried the internet for answers when no one could help and I ended up consumed with anxiety. If your doctor has not suggested a medication, ask for an antispasmodic such as Buscopan. Your doctor may try you out on other medications. Watch out for Mebeverine though because it can upset your stomach. I was firat prescribed this and it made me far worse.
For me there was no particular IBS specialist. I had to keep seeing different GPs until I finally found one who diagnosed IBS. After that, I was left on my own. Luckily, after diagnosis my symptoms started to get better.
Hi Tracy,
I'm 55 and my symptoms (the same as yours apart from the onion smell) started 14 months ago.
Have you had a colonoscopy?
The reason I ask is that I saw a gastroenterologist with regard to internal piles that need sorting with surgery and after asking about my GP's IBS diagnosis he has booked me in for a colonoscopy just to check it's nothing else.
Hi, yes I had a colonoscopy three weeks ago. It came back normal.
Well I say normal. Apart from the internal piles which I have had for years.
Well that's good to hear. Once the sinister stuff has been ruled out it makes the IBS diagnosis more believable doesn't it?
Piles.....ladies of a certain age đŸ˜‚
Are you already on the low fodmap diet?
Here's a link with a compilation of helpful articles about IBS. My sweet friend told me about this and these are good resources.
No I'm not on the fodmap diet, so thank you for those links I'll have a look.